Prevention of radiation therapy treatment deviations by a novel combined biometric, radio-frequency identification, and surface imaging system

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the impact of Varian Identify, a novel combined radio-frequency identification (RFID), biometric and surface matching technology, on its potential for patient safety and prevention of radiation therapy treatment deviations. Methods /Materials: 108 radiation therapy treatment deviation reports at our facility over the past 8 years were analyzed. Three major categories were defined based on the time point of occurrence: Physician Order deviations (19.4%), treatment planning deviations (24.1%), and machine treatment deviations (56.5%). The impact of Identify on potential prevention of machine treatment deviations was analyzed. A failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) was performed on the five most frequently-occurring errors preventable with Identify. Safety analysis of the Identify system was reported, based on 3.5 years of clinical data post Identify system installation on three treatment vaults. Results Of the 61 machine treatment deviations, 47 (77%) were interpreted as being preventable by using Identify. Our FMEA showed reductions in all RPNs post-Identify application. Safety analysis of the Identify system from our direct observation that for approximately 7 cumulative years of Identify use in three different treatment vaults, where 9 deviations would have been expected to occur over this combined time period, zero machine treatment events occurred. Conclusion The combination of Identify biometric, RFID, and surface matching technologies was observed to enable an effective process for enhancing safety and efficiency of radiation therapy treatment. A significant reduction in machine related deviations was observed.